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Definition of Substance Abuse Disorders.

Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse and substance use disorder, is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others, and is a form of substance-related disorder. Widely differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, medical and criminal justice contexts.

The exact cause of substance abuse is not clear, with theories including: a genetic disposition; learned from others - or a habit which if addiction develops, manifests as a chronic debilitating disease.[2]Drugs most often associated with this term include: alcohol, substituted amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines (particularly alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam and clonazepam), cocaine, methaqualone, cannabis and opioids.

In many cases criminal or anti-social behavior occurs when the person is under the influence of a drug, and long term personality changes in individuals may occur as well.[3] In addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, use of some drugs may also lead to criminal penalties, although these vary widely depending on the local jurisdiction.[4]

Substance abuse is widespread with an estimated 120 million users of hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and other synthetic drugs.[citation needed] In 2013 drug use disorders resulted in 127,000 deaths up from 53,000 in 1990.[5] The highest number of deaths are from opioid use disorders at 51,000.[5] Cocaine use disorder resulted in 4,300 deaths and amphetamine use disorder resulted in 3,800 deaths.[5] Alcohol use disorders resulted in an additional 139,000 deaths.[5]